WO2001034495A1

WO2001034495A1 - A container

Info

Publication number: WO2001034495A1
Application number: PCT/AU1999/000976
Authority: WO
Inventors: Peter Lancaster; Robyn Lancaster
Original assignee: Food Spectrum Pty. Ltd.
Priority date: 1999-11-05
Filing date: 1999-11-05
Publication date: 2001-05-17
Also published as: AU1533000A

Abstract

A system for packaging aseptic product, the system comprising a rigid outer container (10), an aseptic bag (11) within the container, the bag having an inlet, and a separate outlet (12) which is closed off by a perforatable membrane, and a valve (111) which is attached relative to the container, the valve having an inlet which is connected to the outlet, the valve being opened and the membrane being perforated by a perforation means (112) passing through the open valve, the valve then being closed, the bag then being filled, through the inlet, with product which passes into the bag and falls behind the valve.

Description

A CONTAINER

This invention relates to a container and particularly relates to a bulk container which can support and assist in dispensing the contents of flexible bags which can contain food or beverage or other types of dispensable products. The invention also relates to a system for maintaining aseptic product in the bags.

BACKGROUND ART It is known to package food (such as fruit) and beverage products into sterilised flexible bags. These bags are provided with a discharge outlet through which the sterilised product can pass.

The bags need to be properly supported in order to allow the bag contents to be dispensed. The bag also requires correct support to ensure that virtually the entire contents of the bag can be dispensed. The bags are usually filled and then placed within a surrounding framework which supports the bag and protects it against tearing or rupturing. The bag and framework can then be transported by truck or other means to a desired place for dispensing the contents of the bag.

A difficulty with current arrangements is that the supporting framework does not or has a reduced ability to assist in the dispensing of the bag contents. Another disadvantage is that the frame assembly is rather large and cumbersome, and when the contents of the bag have been emptied, and the bag is a fraction of its original size, return transportation of the bag and framework incurs unnecessary expense.

Another disadvantage with existing arrangements is in making sure that food product is maintained in an aseptic condition in the bags during the filling operation of the bags and up to when the bulk containers are delivered to the customer. It is known to fill aseptic bags through the outlet spigot, but this leaves traces of product about the spigot which can lead to contamination. OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a container of the type which supports a flexible bag and which may overcome the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the public with a useful or commercial choice.

In one form, the invention resides in a system for packaging aseptic product, the system comprising a rigid outer container, a aseptic bag within the container, the bag having an inlet, and a separate outlet which is closed off by a perforatable membrane, and a valve which is attached relative to the container, the valve having an inlet which is connected to the outlet, the valve being opened and the membrane being perforated by a perforation means passing through the open valve, the valve then being closed, the bag then being filled through the inlet with product . The product typically flows into the bag and falls against the inner face of the valve which is sterile.

The system eliminates the possibility of product contaminating any outer part of the valve before the bag contents are discharged through the valve. Preferably, the valve is a butterfly valve which has a valve disc which can pivot between an open and closed position against a valve seat, the disc having a front face facing the valve outlet when the valve is closed, and a rear face which is contacted by the product.

Preferably, the interior of the valve and the front of the membrane are sterilized during perforation of the membrane.

Preferably, the valve and membrane are sterilized by steam during the membrane perforating process.

Preferably, the valve has an outlet which is sealed with a sponge impregnated with a sterilizing medium. Preferably, the outlet is further sealed with a cap which extends over the sponge.

Preferably, the container has a non collapsible base assembly which has a rigid outer frame and wherein inside the frame is provided a means to assist in the discharging of product in the bag, the means being in the form of a funnel formed from rigid sheet material which supports the lower end of the bag and shapes the lower end of the flexible bag into a funnel configuration to assist in dispensing of the product. Preferably, the valve is attached to the base assembly and is recessed in the outer periphery of the base assembly.

Preferably, the system includes a collapsible top assembly which is supported by the base assembly, the top assembly being formed from a plurality of panel members which are releasably interconnected to form a side support for the flexible bag when the bag is full, and which can be collapsed to overlie the base assembly when the bag is empty, thereby reducing the size of the container for transportation back to a bag filling or replacement station. In another form, the invention resides in a collapsible container for supporting a product containing flexible bag of the type having a dispensing outlet, the container having a non collapsible base assembly and a collapsible top assembly which is supported by the base assembly, the base assembly having means to assist in the discharging of product in the flexible bag through the dispensing outlet, the top assembly being formed from a plurality of panel members which are releasably interconnected to form a side support for the flexible bag, and which can be collapsed to overlie the base assembly.

In another form, the invention resides in a collapsible container for supporting a product containing flexible bag of the type having a dispensing outlet, the container having a non collapsible base assembly and a collapsible top assembly which is supported by the base assembly, the base assembly having means to assist in the discharging of product in the flexible bag through the dispensing outlet, the top assembly being formed from a plurality of panel members which form a side support for the flexible bag when the bag is full, and which can be collapsed to overlie the base assembly when the bag is empty, thereby reducing the size of the container for transportation back to a bag filling or replacement station.

The flexible bag can contain food or beverage products such as fruit and other liquid products, and the bag can be pre-filled in a sterile and aseptic manner to meet the required hygiene standards. Various types of flexible bags can be used depending on the contents of the bag and the industry requirements.

The collapsible container has the advantage that it can be collapsed and re-used several times and when collapsed, takes up a fraction of the original size thereby making return transportation less expensive. It is preferred that the container is manufactured from materials which meet the hygiene standards required in the particular industry, and a person skilled in the art would be able to make the correct selection of materials.

The collapsible container has a non-collapsible base assembly. The non-collapsible base assembly preferably comprises a rigid outer frame which can be formed from steel. Inside the frame is provided a means to assist in the discharging of product in the flexible bag, and this means can be in the form of a funnel formed from rigid sheet material which supports the lower end of the flexible bag and shapes the lower end of the flexible bag into a funnel configuration to assist in dispensing of the product. The means may be provided with an opening through which the dispensing outlet of the flexible bag can pass. A support bracket can be provided to support the dispensing outlet to prevent damage to the bag and/or outlet.

The base assembly can include openings or other means to allow forklift tynes to lift and transport the entire container.

The collapsible top assembly is formed from a number of panel members which are releasably interconnected to form a side support for the flexible bag. Suitably, four panel members are provided which interconnect adjacent their edges to adjacent panel members to provide a rectangular or box-like arrangement into which the flexible bag can be positioned, with the side walls of the flexible bag being supported by the panel members.

Each panel member can be formed from a surround steel frame with plastic sheeting attached to the inside, and it is preferred that no rough points are provided which can rub-up against the bag contained therein. Each panel assembly is preferably of equal size and shape to minimise inventory costs.

The panel members can collapse and can be positioned to overlie the base assembly, and it is preferred that the size and shape of the panel members and the base assembly is such that the panel members do not project from the base assembly, this facilitating return transportation of the collapsed container. Suitably, the overlying panel members extend over the funnel in the base assembly, to protect the funnel from damage and the like, and the overlying panel members can also function to prevent unauthorised removal or tampering with the empty or substantially empty flexible bag (it being appreciated that the bag may contain somewhat toxic products or products which may otherwise be harmful).

The panels may be configured to allow them to nest or be attached to each other when in the collapsed position and this can be achieved by suitable location points designed into each side panel. The top assembly preferably includes a lid which may also comprise a panel as described above. The lid is also preferably designed such that it can collapse to overlie the base assembly or to sit on top, in between, or under the side panels when in the collapsed state. The lid may also include location points or other means to ensure that the various panel members are located when returned to base. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings in which

Figure 1 is a front side view of a container. Figure 2 is a side view of the container of Figure 1. Figures 3, 4 and 5 are rear, front and side views of a bulk container of slightly different design and according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 6 illustrates a butterfly valve.

Figure 7 illustrates a clamp for clamping the butterfly valve of Figure 6 in an embodiment of the invention.

BEST MODE Referring to the drawings, there is shown a container 10 which can support a flexible bag 11 having a dispensing outlet 12 (the bag being shown in dotted outline in Figure 1 ). The bag can be made from materials known in the art and can be filled with a variety of dispensible solids, liquids, pastes, gels, and the like. The container 10 has a non-collapsible base assembly 13 and a collapsible top assembly 14. Base assembly 13 is formed from steel frames which are attached together to form a rigid structural unit and which is strong enough to support the top assembly, the weight of a full bag, and which can be lifted and transported, for instance by a forklift. Base assembly 10 has an internal funnel 15 which in the embodiment is a plastic roto moulded shell which has an asymmetrical shape better illustrated in Figure 2. Funnel 15 has a bottom wall 16 which has a 30° slope towards outlet 12, and the configuration of the funnel, facilitates discharging of product in bag 11. The plastic funnel 15 is protected by the outer steel cage which forms most of base assembly 13. The lower portion of base assembly has a structural framework 17 into which forklift tynes can pass.

On top of base assembly 13 is top assembly 14. In the embodiment, top assembly 14 is formed from four side panels (only front panel 18 and one side panel 19 being illustrated in Figures 1 and 2). The four side panels are the same size and shape and are formed from a steel frame with plastic sheeting attached to the inside and ensuring that there are no rough points (or instance where rivets have been used) to rub against the aseptic bag contained therein.

In the embodiment, each of the side panels is attached to the base unit as well as to each other along their sides. The attachment can be in the form of releasable fasteners such as bolts, hooks, or using projections and locating recesses to hold the side panels together. Alternatively, bands or straps could be used if desired.

A lid 20 (not illustrated) of identical or similar design and construction as the side panels is provided and is attached to one of the side panels to allow the lid to be hinged, and to an opposed side panel which allows the lid to be locked or otherwise secured. The side panels and the lid are sized to be the same width as the width of base assembly 13 such that the panels can be decoupled and placed flat on top of base assembly 13 with no parts of any side panel or the lid projecting from the sides of the base assembly. 5 In use, the container is assembled with the side panels erect and a full flexible bag 11 is lowered into the container after which lid 20 is attached. The filled container can then be transported to site and the contents of the flexible bag can be dispensed through outlet 12 causing the bag to slowly collapse within the container. When the bag is empty or 0 substantially empty, the bag sits entirely within the confines of funnel 15, and at this stage the side panels and the lid can be decoupled and laid flat on top of funnel 15 to prevent the collapsed bag from being tampered with or removed.

In the embodiment, the funnel in the base unit has a capacity of 5 about 250 litres while the fully erect unit has a capacity of about 1 ,000 litres. The base assembly has a lower smaller footprint of 770mm X 1000mm, but at a height of 150mm from the base, the base widens to 1000mm X 1000mm. In the embodiment, the height of the fully erected unit is not more than 1500mm. Of course, the size and shape of the container can vary to suit with o the above values describing an embodiment only.

The side panels and the lid have location points to enable the panels to nest or be loosely coupled together when lying over the base.

Referring to Figures 3 to 7, in this embodiment, there are thee components which are brought together to form the packaging system. There 5 are two sizes available which have the same basic three parts. These sizes are the 300 litre unit and the 1000 litre unit. The volume of the packaging system is not limited to these volumes. The volume can be varied by changing the height of the unit whilst maintaining the current footprint. The volume may also be changed by varying all the outer dimensions of the basic o design, within the limitations of the space available at the discharge location.

The three components are: The Rigid Container; The Aseptic Bag; and

The Butterfly Valve. The Rigid Container

An embodiment of the container is shown in Figures 3 to 5. The unit shown has a volume of 1000 litres. To obtain a volume of 300 litres the upper wall panels 100 are removed and the lid 101 is attached to the top of the base 102. The lid is fully compatible with both units. The container is designed with sufficient inherent strength to enable tit to be stacked several units high. The lid 101 of each unit has two rails 103 which help to align the top container in the correct position during stacking operations.

Each container is designed to be moved within the factory environs by either a pallet jack or a forklift truck. Forklift tyne sleeves 104 are provided to enable ease of movement. These sleeves have sections cut from the bottom panel to allow pallet jack wheel's access to the floor. The overall strength of the unit is not comprised by this feature.

Internally the container may have a bag supporting bracket designed to hold up the aseptic bag to enable complete product discharge. This bracket is held in place to prevent movement during transportation and usage. A bracket is positioned centrally under the container's lid. This bracket has a key hole shaped cut-out section into which the top (filling) spigot) of the bag is placed after filling.

During discharge, the bag collapses under air pressure and hangs down into the container. The bag support bracket allows the product to drain more effectively and prevents the bag being pulled into the outlet until the bag is substantially emptied.

External air pressure cannot collapse the outer metal container structure because no vacuum is being applied. The bag inside does collapse as air is not permitted to enter the bag to maintain sterility of its contents.

The rigid container is assembled from a number of separate parts, depending on the volume required to meet a customer's demand patterns. As required, wall and lid panels 100, 101 are bolted together with galvanised coach bolts and nuts. This allows convenient replacement of these consumable items if they become damaged or lost.

During manufacture of the individual panels and base parts methods such as welding, and/or soldering, are used to prevent the occurrence of shape protrusions, particularly on the inner areas of the container. Otherwise, the bag may be pierced or cut which would cause a leak or loss of its aseptic status. Seams and joins between the steel materials are made water resistant with either sealant, or by design, so that water cannot accumulate within the framework. If this occurred, rust may develop in the metal parts. Galvanisation of all metal parts also minimises the occurrence of rust. This finish also enables maintenance of an acceptable cleanliness and appearance for use in food production situations. Where necessary, any welded areas are coated with cold galvanised "paint" to maintain their condition and appearance.

The container has four sets of "frames" for location and holding of labels. The bottom panels 105 of the base unit slope towards the outlet hole 106 at an angle sufficient to promote complete discharge of the product. The specified angle is 30° from the horizontal. The inverted pyramid design prevents "pooling" of product behind the outlet hole. This design prevents product wastage. A valve bracket 107 is included in the design to position the valve 195mm above the floor level. This positioning allows convenient attachment of a discharge connector via flexible hosing at the usage point. The valve/bracket is recessed behind the front of the container to prevent knocking of the valve during handling. The Aseptic Bag

The aseptic bag is formed from panels of material joined together at seams to form the bag shape.

The bag is exposed to a level of Gamma irradiation which makes it aseptic (essentially sterile) internally. In the factory, product (which will be added to the bag) is processed appropriately to render it aseptic, given its chemical characteristics such as pH and Aw. The aseptic product is introduced into an upper inlet aseptic bag via a filling machine (not illustrated) which is designed to maintain the aseptic properties of the bag and the product. During this bag filling process, the bag is supported by the rigid container described above.

The position of the filling spigot (the inlet) on the aseptic bag is most appropriate for the design/operation of the filling machine, but is typically on an upper part of the bag. The discharge spigot (the outlet) is located to align the bag's seam in a vertical line to the top of the container, forward of the mid-line of the container. Correct positioning of the bag prevents the bag splitting or undergoing stress facture during transportation over long distances.

It is desirable to align the bag's seam square to the sides of the container. A shaped and folded cardboard piece can be used to assist in aligning the bag in this direction. This enables the bag to fill the container's four corners most effectively. The bag is prone to significant stress here, which is minimised to the extent that sufficient bag material is available to "fill up" the corners of the container. Excessive stress causes splitting or fracturing of the bag's layers, and loss of product asepticity.

The plastic discharge spigot (the outlet) is a 2" Sieger gland. This gland has a perforatable plastic membrane across its outward face to enable the bag to be made aseptic via the irradiation process indicated above. The Sieger gland is completely compatible with the butterfly valve which is attached. Included in this arrangement is an appropriate O-ring and specially design clamp 110 (see Figure 7). The gland and valve ends being larger than a standard dairy fitting require a larger and more robust clamp design. This clamp must also ensure that the two surfaces being clamped become correctly aligned internally. This enables correct operation of the steamer/cutter machine and prevents deformation of the seal which may lead to leakage at this point. The Butterfly Valve The valve has a valve disc 112 which pivots about a vertical axis against a valve seat 113 when closed. A handle 114 is attached to a plug/screw 115 which extends through a notch plate 116. The disc is held via bearings 117.

A butterfly valve is used in conjunction with the bag and the container. This is constructed from 316 stainless steel, EPDM seat and end piece seals. A handle is in place on the butterfly stem for operation of the valve. As indicated above, the valve is attached to the bag outlet Sieger spigot by a modified tri-clover dairy clamp 110 and internal O-ring.

A made to fit circular sponge soaked in a sterilant solution is placed into the outlet side of the valve to assist hygienic storage, transportation and operation of the valve. A plastic screw cap is threaded onto the 50mm DIN threaded outlet to keep out air borne dirt, insects and other forms of contamination. A piece of security tape is placed across the cap to assist with tamper evidence. A plastic tie is placed around both sides of the clamp where they meet at the side of the valve for tamper evidence. A similar tie is placed on the valve handle at the appropriate point to prevent inadvertent opening of the valve. This tie must be removed before the handle mechanism can be operated to open the valve. The butterfly is opened by turning the handle in a 90° arc from its closed position. The handle is screwed onto the valve butterfly stem. A plastic lug is placed over the screw to cover the opening and discourage unwanted removal of the handle. The system is designed to be as convenient to use as competitive, pressurised storage vessels which currently are the dominate packaging system in the market for aseptic liquid preparations. On discharge of the contents of the container, it is designed to be returned to base with the valve closed, the bag still clamped to the valve and the bag material contained within the rigid container. At base, the unit is dismantled to remove the bag, clean and sterilise the butterfly valve and wash down the rigid container. With a new sterile bag the other components are brought together for re-supply of freshly manufactured product. The container is designed so that it can be partly dismantled for return transport. If required, the lid and sides are unbolted and stacked into the base part. The coach bolts and nuts are used to hold these panels in place.

The empty aseptic bag is placed into the container. The front membrane on the Sieger spigot is steamed and cut through the opened butterfly valve via a perforating means. A steaming and cutting machine can do this operation whilst it also maintains the commercial sterility of all internal surfaces of the valve and Sieger gland. On completion of its cycle, the machine closes the butterfly valve so that the internal parts and the opened bag are still aseptic.

At the filling station, the empty bag is then filled with food product through the top plastic spigot. At the completion of filling, the top spigot is aseptically sealed to prevent ingress of foreign matter. This operation creates a uniquely aseptic package for the storage and transport of the contents of the bag. The product has entered the bag from the top and fallen behind the close butterfly valve. Thus, no product is caught between the butterfly of the valve and the valve's EPDM seat due to this operation. This is a real risk with bottom fill operations such as used for pressurised totes systems. If this occurs, it provides a medium for the ingress of micro-organisms which can lead to product loss through spoilage. In addition, the area in contact with the fruit etc is a new bag each re-fill. Unlike with large pressure vessels, the internal surfaces don't require sanitation prior to refilling. The effectiveness of this operation is difficult to control.

At the food factory (the end use site) the unit is connected to the discharge station's pump and pipework via the DIN outlet (which is standard in the Dairy industry). The front face of the valve butterfly is "sterilised" in place and the valve handle operated to allow discharge of either all or part of the contents of the bag. When the requirements for product have been met the pump is stopped, the valve closed and the valve face is again "sterilised" in place. The pipework is disconnected and the sponge and cap put back in place. Generally there two items have been placed in a sterilising solution during this time. If product remains in the unit, it is refrigerated until required again. To use further products, the procedure above is followed again. It is recommended that only up to three breeches be performed, as stated in our user's manual. It may be practice to do more than this in some organisations. A typical bag is as follows: Item: 300 KG Aseptic Bag (32300/P3L56)

Description: 300 Litre Intasept bag with a 32mm Intasept gland plus Sieger gland.

Specifications:

1 ) Structure a) Outer Material: P3 - High barrier laminate - 50μm LLDPE/12μm METPET/50μm LLDPE b) Inner Web: 2 X 70μm LLDPE c) Gland One: 32mm Intasept rectangular gland. d) Gland Two: 2" dispensing Sieger gland with membrane (32mm Intasept gland materials), plus overcap.

The front membrane must withstand 110°C steam for 3 minutes.

The front membrane material is produced with a high performance catalysed adhesive.

2) Dimensions a) Length: 1700mm ± 30mm b) Width: 2050mm ± 30mm c) Position of Gland 1 Intasept: Length: 120mm ± 10mm

Width: 1025mm ± 10mm d) Position of Gland 2 Sieger: Length: 325mm ± 10mm

Width: 1025mm ± 10mm e) Skirt: 10mm max.

3) Packaging

3.1 General packing a) No. of Bags/layerpad: 1 b) No. of Bags/carton: 4 c) No. of Cartons/pallet: 18 d) Carton type: G7, Printed e) No. of Cartons/20ft container: 286 (Non palletised) f) Line cartons with liner bags not lengths of film. g) All cartons are to be strapped. 3.2 Folding a) 36mm wide paper tape is to be used to anchor the bag onto the cardboard base. b) Tape is applied to secure the bag to the edge and centre of the base board. c) Only paper tape is to be used on the bag - 12mm max width. d) The folded bag must lie within the edges of the board. e) The inside bottom seal must be centred between the two creases on the cardboard base. f) The bag is to be placed centrally on the cardboard base with the glands being central i.e. centred on the cardboard base.

4) Sterilisation a) All bags supplied will have been irradiated with 2.5 Mrad (25kgy) of Gamma Irradiation. b) Evidence of irradiation must be provided by an indicator attached to the outside and the inside of each carton and attached to each bag. On irradiation the indicators change from yellow to red.

Item: 1100 Litre PMP Intasept Bag (1100/P3-L6-6)

Description: 1100 Litre PMP intasept bin bag with 32mm rectangular gland + sieger dispense gland. Specifications: 1 ) Structure a) Outer Material: 50μm LLDPE/12μm METPET/50μm

LLDPE b) Inner Material: 1 X 2 X 100μm mPe c) Gland One: 32mm Intasept rectangular gland. (Double membrane) d) Gland Two: 2" Sieger/HDPS gland (top membrane) plus overcap. 2) Finished Bag Specification: a) Bag Dimensions: 2465 ± 30mm X 2050 ± 30mm (Internal) b) Gland 1 : Length: 120 ± 10mm

Width: 1025 ± 10mm c) Gland 2: Length: 325 ± 10mm

Width: 1025 ± 10mm d) The Sieger gland is positioned on the opposite side of the bag to the 32mm gland. The longest side of 32mm gland must be parallel to end of bag. 3) Packaging a) No. of Bags/carton: 6 b) Weight per carton (guide only): 15kg c) Carton Type: G7, Printed d) All cartons are to be strapped. e) Bags are to be packed into cartons lined with a polyethylene bag. f) Bags are to be folded loosely (no backing board). 4) Sterilisation a) All bags supplied will have been irradiated with 2.5 Mrad (25kgy) of Gamma Irradiation. b) Evidence of irradiation must be provided by an indicator attached to the outside and the inside of each carton. On irradiation the indicators change from orange to red.

Item: 300 Litre Bulk Bin Specification

Description: A multi use outer container of flexible volume, which supports an internal multi-layered aseptically filled bag. Discharge is via an aseptic spigot and butterfly valve fully supported to allow easy line connection in the dairy factory. The container is tote bay compatible and designed to allow full discharge of product from the inner bag. If necessary, re-entry is possible.

Specifications: 1 ) Dimensions: External: Height 760mm Length 1065mm Width 1005mm 2) Weight: Empty: 114kg

With Bag: 118kg

Full: 418kg typical.

3) Construction: High tenside galvanised s

Duragal RHS. Welded and epoxy sealed. Lid bolted to base unit. Lid with stacking guide rails. Base with valve support bracket and spigot locating hole. 4 label holders. Galvanised tyne sleeves for forklifts, pallet jacks. The tyne sleeves measure

200mm X 100mm.

4) Volume: 300 litres. 5) Stacking: Can be stacked up to six high when full of product (includes the bottom container).

6) Design Features: Taper base at 30° angle to fully self drain.

Captive fork tyne sleeves suitable for forklifts, hand pallet jacks and picking pallets. Easy access valve presentation. Valve within external dimensions of container and supported by a bracket to present valve at a constant height and horizontal plane. Presterilised valve with 2" DIN thread outlet.

7) Security: 1. Tamper evident tie on clamp.

2. Tamper evident security tape on valve cap.

3. White plastic cap, which screws onto valve.

4. Sponge with surfactant/antibacterial agent in outlet end of valve behind screw cap. 8) Internal Bag

1. Volume: 300 litres.

2. Construction:

2.1 Bag layers - 1 outer layer of 50μm LLDPE/12μm METPET/50μm LLDPE. 2 inner layers of 100μm

MPE.

2.2 Fill Inlet - 32mm Intasept rectangular gland hermetically sealed after filling.

2.3 Discharge Outlet - 50mm (2") Siegar HDPS gland hermetically sealed to the bag and with a top membrane.

50mm 316 stainless steel hygienic butterflly valve with EDPM seat. Recessed O-rings at each end. Valve, connection and sieger fitment aseptically sterilised at target 110°C for 3 minutes (range

108°C to 117°C). Butterfly is closed automatically, immediately after steaming period.

Outlet is plugged with sponge/bacteriostatic solution and capped immediately.

3. Bag Sterilisation: 2.5Mrad of Gamma Irradiation. This is confirmed via red dot indicators supplied on the bags and box. Certificate of analysis is provided to QA confirming the radiation level achieved. 9) Containers will be delivered free of foreign material such as wood, glass, stones, dirt and plant matter. They will be free of any evidence of rodent or pest infestation, including excreta and any form of grain or warehouse weevils or beetles.

10) After use, containers are returned complete to base including the base, walls, lid, brackets, valves, soiled bag and caps.

11 ) There is no customer need to open the container. Item: 1000 Litre Bulk Bin Specification

Specifications:

1 ) Dimensions: EExxtteerrnnaall:: Height 1550mm

Length 1065mm Width 1005mm

2) Weight: Empty: 160kg nominal

With Bag: 164kg

Full: 1300kg. Typical depending on product specific gravity.

3) Construction: High tenside galvanised steel sheet.

Duragal RHS. Welded and epoxy sealed. Lid bolted to base unit. Lid with stacking guide rails. Base with valve support bracket and spigot locating hole. 4 label holders. Galvanised tyne sleeves for forklifts, pallet jacks. The tyne sleeves measure 200mm X 100mm.

4) Volume: 1000 litres. 5) Stacking: Up to 3 high when full, including bottom container.

6) Design Features: Taper base at 30° angle to fully self drain. Captive fork tyne sleeves suitable for forklifts, hand pallet jacks and picking pallets. Easy access valve presentation. Valve within external dimensions of container and supported by a bracket to present valve at a constant height and horizontal plane. Presterilised valve with 2" DIN thread outlet.

7) Security: 1. Tamper evident tie on clamp. 2. Tamper evident security tape on valve cap.

3. White plastic cap, which screws onto valve.

1. Volume: 1000 litres.

2. Construction:

2.1 Bag layers - 1 outer layer of 50μm LLDPE/12μm METPET/50μm LLDPE. 2 inner layers of 100μm MPE.

Outlet is plugged with sponge/bacteriostatic solution and capped immediately. 3. Bag Sterilisation: 2.5Mrad of Gamma Irradiation. This is confirmed via red dot indicators supplied on the bags and box. Certificate of analysis is provided to QA confirming the radiation level achieved. 9) Containers will be delivered free of foreign material such as wood, glass, stones, dirt and plant matter. They will be free of any evidence of rodent or pest infestation, including excreta and any form of grain or warehouse weevils or beetles. 10) After use, containers are returned complete to base including the base, walls, lid, brackets, valves, soiled bag and caps.

11 ) There is no customer need to open the container.

CONTAINER

Internal Dimensions: 940mm X 1000mm X 1000mm tapered. External Dimensions: 1065mm X 1005mm X 2560mm at top. 1065mm X 770mm at tyne sleeves. Capacity (Litres): Base Unit only 300. Base Unit and Sides 1000.

Construction: High tensile galvanised sheet steel Duragal RHS. Design Capabilities: - Safe working load 1500kg.

- Multiple stacking load 6000kg.

- Multiple stacking locator tabs.

- Base with sloping panels for viscous liquid discharge/self drain.

- Removable sides for volume change.

- Bracket for butterfly valve location, support and presentation.

- Valve centre at 195mm from floor.

- Valve within perimeter of container for protection.

- Footprint compatible with tote stations. Design Features: - Captive fork tyne entry points.

- Label holders for A4 sheets.

- Fully contained lid and sides.

- Bag support bracket (internal).

BUTTERFLY VALVES Stainless steel hygienic Butterfly Valve F251 - Metric. - Quarter turn operation; Bi directional capability;

- Fully machined 316 stainless steel body;

- Optional end connections;

- One piece disk and stern assembly; - EPDM seat with other types available (FDA standard);

- Bag spigot compatible flange;

- 2" PIN thread outlet. Technical Data: Maximum product pressure at 20°C - 1000Kpa (10 bar).

Minimum product pressure at 20°C - full vacuum. General temperature range - 10°C to 95°C. Maximum static temperature (EPDM) - 120°C. Various seat materials can withstand temperatures above 95°C for short periods of time such as for sterilisation and certain other applications. The valves are inspected prior to each use and maintained in a suitable condition.

Polymer or stainless steel handles available. OBJECTIVES OF THE CONTAINER The system can:

1. Reduce fruit preparation wastage to less than 1 %;

2. Reduce cardboard waste;

3. Eliminate manual handling of bag to reduce waste;

4. Enable discharge valve steaming by users up to 3 times at 130Kpa for 30 minutes each time;

5. Enable convenient connection of container to discharge lines;

6. Ensure discharge point is within container outer dimensions;

7. Provide tamper evidence at valve clamp and cap;

8. Maintain aspetic product in the bulk bag; 9. Allow effective labelling of unit;

10. Enable tracking of individual units through the distribution channel; 11. Enable safe stacking up to 3 high;

12. Allow collapsing of unit for return transport;

13. Be flexible in volume with one design;

14. Allow aseptic discharge of fruit preparation;

15. Maintain bag integrity during transport.

It should be appreciated that various other changes and modifications can be made to the embodiment described without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A system for packaging aseptic product, the system comprising a rigid outer container, a aseptic bag within the container, the bag having an inlet, and a separate outlet which is closed off by a perforatable membrane, and a valve which is attached relative to the container, the valve having an inlet which is connected to the outlet of the bag, the valve being opened and the membrane being perforated by a perforation means passing through the open valve, the valve then being closed, the bag then being filled, through the inlet, with product which passes into the bag and falls behind the valve.

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the valve is a butterfly valve which has a valve disc which can pivot between an open and closed position against a valve seat, the disc having a front face facing the valve outlet when the valve is closed, and a rear face which is contacted by the product.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the interior of the valve and the front of the membrane are sterilized during perforation of the membrane.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the valve and membrane are sterilized by steam during the membrane perforating process.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the valve has an outlet which is sealed with a sponge impregnated with a sterilizing medium.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the outlet is further sealed with a cap which extends over the sponge.

7. The system of claim 3, wherein the container has a non collapsible base assembly which has a rigid outer frame and wherein inside the frame is provided a means to assist in the discharging of product in the bag, the means being in the form of a funnel formed from rigid sheet material which supports the lower end of the bag and shapes the lower end of the bag into a funnel configuration to assist in dispensing of the product.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the valve is attached to the base assembly and is recessed in the outer periphery of the base assembly.

9. The system of claim 8, including a collapsible top assembly which is supported by the base assembly, the top assembly being formed from a plurality of panel members which are releasably interconnected to form a side support for the flexible bag when the bag is full, and which can be collapsed to overlie the base assembly when the bag is empty, thereby reducing the size of the container for transportation back to a bag filling or replacement station.